The End of an Era: Funkmaster Flex Bids Farewell to Hot 97

The phrase “all good things must come to an end” never rang truer for hip-hop fans as Funkmaster Flex prepares to close out his iconic run at Hot 97. For over three decades, Flex’s voice, energy, and signature bomb drops have shaped the soundtrack of New York City and beyond, creating a legacy that every hip-hop head holds dear.
 

From The Bronx to the Radio Waves
 

Born in the Bronx to Jamaican parents, Funk Flex fell in love with music early, learning the ropes of DJing with his father’s sound system. By age 16, he was spinning in clubs, quickly earning respect for his bold mixing and indefatigable hustle. Flex launched his radio career at KISS FM, then WBLS, but it was at Hot 97 in November 1992 where he truly revolutionized the airwaves. This wasn’t just another radio gig—it was the birth of a movement.
 

Shaping Hip-Hop’s Mainstream Moment
 

Flex didn’t just play records—he broke them. As host of the first-ever hip-hop show on Hot 97, Flex helped transition the station from pop to hip-hop, introducing the world to now-legendary artists and moments. His late-night mix shows, “bomb drops,” and explosive on-air energy made Hot 97 the epicenter for rap enthusiasts, helping launch the careers of 50 Cent, Big Pun, DMX, and more.
 

Creating a Multimedia Empire
 

As hip-hop evolved, so did Flex. He rolled out the InFlexWeTrust website, amassed millions of followers and site visitors, and partnered with brands like Beats by Dre, Chevrolet, and Ciroc. His love for cars led to TV shows, massive car expo tours, and deals to customize vehicles for celebrities and major manufacturers.
 

Early 1990s: Entry & Innovation
 

   •    November 1992: Funkmaster Flex joins Hot 97 and hosts the station’s first-ever hip-hop show, setting a new standard for urban radio in NYC and establishing Hot 97 as a hub for emerging rap talent.
    •    During this period, Flex’s innovative mixes and live club broadcasts help transform Hot 97 from a pop music station into the epicenter of hip-hop radio.
 

Mid-1990s: Signature Style & Mixtapes
 

    •    1995: Releases “The Mix Tape, Vol. 1,” launching a series of classic mixtapes that elevate future stars and highlight exclusive freestyles from top artists across hip-hop.
    •    Flex debuts his trademark “bomb drop” sound effect, which becomes a cultural phenomenon and signature of his show’s energy and breaking-news moments.
 

Late 1990s–2000s: Mentorship & Expansion
 

   •    Hosts “60 Minutes of Funk,” a pivotal radio show that features DJ mixes, artist interviews, and world premieres.
    •    Champions and breaks new talent, helping launch careers for artists like 50 Cent, Big Pun, and DMX through his mix shows and exclusive Hot 97 appearances.
    •    Expands his reach with national syndication and guest spots on television programs like “Yo! MTV Raps” and car-focused TV shows, bridging hip-hop with broader pop culture.
 

2010s: Multimedia Success & Tech Partnerships
 

   •    Launches the popular website InFlexWeTrust.com and a mobile app delivering daily mixes and instrumentals; partners with brands like Beats by Dre and Chevrolet, further building his multimedia empire.
    •    Continues breaking new music and interviewing top-tier artists, keeping Hot 97 at the forefront of hip-hop for a new generation.
2020s: Honors & Farewell
    •    Receives his first Hot 97 office in 2022, celebrating nearly 30 years at the station.
    •    Announces his final broadcast, set for Labor Day 2025 at 7 p.m., officially closing his legendary run at Hot 97 and marking the end of a foundational era in hip-hop radio.
 

Funkmaster Flex’s career at Hot 97 is defined by trailblazing innovation, iconic mixtapes, and mentorship, shaping both the sound and business of hip-hop radio since 1992.

The Big Farewell
 

On Labor Day 2025 at 7 p.m., Flex will unplug his turntables for his final Hot 97 show, capping off an era built on trailblazing innovation and devotion to the culture. The outpouring of gratitude from fans and artists alike attests to Flex’s outsized role in shaping what hip-hop—and urban radio—became in America.
Funkmaster Flex’s journey proves that with passion, showmanship, and an ear for what’s next, one DJ can shift the course of an entire genre. As the “bombs” fade out, the imprint he leaves on hip-hop culture will echo for generations.